How to Grow Snapdragon as a Perennial

Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) are Mediterranean natives that prefer good drainage and full sun to partial shade. Mature snapdragons grow to heights between 6 and 36 inches, producing flowers in a variety of colors including lavender, white, pink, yellow and orange. Although often part of the annual garden for those living in certain climates, those within U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 9 can grow snapdragons all year long as perennials.

Things You'll Need

Sprinkler or Garden hose
Mulch or leaf litter

Lawnmower

Instructions

- 1
  Plant your snapdragons approximately two to three weeks before the last frost date in your zone. In zones 7, the final frost date is April 15. Within zone 8, the final frost usually occurs around March 15. In zone 9, the frost date is Feb. 15.
- 2
  Space the snapdragons 8 to 12 inches apart in holes comparable to their root balls in size. Water the snapdragons regularly, keeping the soil moist to 1 inch deep throughout the growing season. Use a sprinkler or garden hose.
- 3
  Surrounding the snapdragons with a 3-inch layer of mulch or leaf litter protects the roots when the evening temperature drops. Mulching around the snapdragons also suppresses weeds.
- 4
  Pinch off dead flowers using your fingertips. Also called deadheading, pinching spent blooms increases plant vigor. Cutting each snapdragon to a height of 6 inches during the middle of the summer also encourages further blooming.
- 5
  Allow the snapdragons to die back on their own in the late fall in the colder regions of zone 7. The leaves turn from green to gold to brown. Once they turn brown, mow the snapdragons to the soil line. The plants re-emerge in the spring.

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